Your visit to Kamikōchi shouldn’t stop at Kappa Bridge. Trekking further for another hour upstream of the Azusa River, you will reach the Myōjin Area. Here is the ground of God. Not sure if it is because this is where God lives, the atmosphere around the area is just different from Kappa Bridge. Once you […]
Trekking to the Mysterious Myōjin Area in Kamikōchi Read More »
Kappa Bridge (河童橋) is the landmark of Kamikōchi. Most important facilities in the area are located close to the bridge, including the Kamikochi Bus Terminal and visitor centers. This part of Kamikōchi is almost like a transport hub that allows tourists to gain the necessary information to explore the area and rejuvenate. The suspension bridge
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While not as famous as Kappa Bridge or Taishō Pond, Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原) and Tashiro Pond (田代池) located between the two scenic spots are picturesque throughout the year. Especially in the morning of the colder months, you will find these two spots extra stunning because the plants are covered by a thin layer of frost!
The Best Guide to Tashiro Marsh and Tashiro Pond in Kamikōhi Read More »
If you take a bus to Kamikōchi, the Taishō Pond (大正池) would be the first stop after the bus enters what the Japanese called the ground that God descends upon. Especially if you take the nighttime express bus from Tokyo, we highly recommend getting off the bus here instead of staying onboard until reaching the
Taishō Pond, One of the Most Scenic Spots in Kamikōchi Read More »
A unique place to visit in Nakamachi Shopping Street (中町商店街) is the Matsumoto City Hakari Museum (松本市はかり資料館), which is full of measuring instruments. It is one of the best places to learn about various scales and weights used across the globe from various eras.
Matsumoto City Hakari Museum and the Weight from the Past Read More »
On a hot summer day, the best spot to visit on Nakamachi Street is Nakamachi Hyouka Ten (中町氷菓店). You will find phenomenal shaved ice made from natural ice made in Yamanashi Prefecture. We were a little bit hesitant to make an order because 1,500 yen isn’t cheap. However, after the first bite, we were glad
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The beckoning cat temple, Gōtokuji, is so famous among international tourists that the spot is probably on your itinerary for Tokyo. If you aren’t in a hurry, we recommend stopping by one of the cafes or shops near Gōtokuji. Quite a few of them have cutely designed maneki-neko products! The sweets created by artisans are
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If you are a coffee lover, Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire (梟焙煎研究所) is the place to go close to Gōtokuji. You will find the locally rumored “ultimate espresso (究極のエスプレッソ)” here. Apparently, the owner, Takayama-san (髙山さん), worked at a Michelin three-star restaurant in France, thus the French cafe name and the delicious food and coffee served! Not only
Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire: A Hidden Gem in Setagaya Read More »
You might have come across the beckoning cat, maneki-neko (招き猫). The cat figurine is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. Leaving the figurine’s ability to bring good fortune aside, the maneki-neko is a cute decor and might cheer you up when feeling down. If you are smitten by maneki-neko, the must-visit spot
Gōtokuji: Tokyo’s Infamous Maneki-neko Lucky Cat Temple Read More »
Even if you haven’t been to Japan before, your image of Shinjuku is most likely an area in Tokyo that is filled with skyscrapers and crowds. While the stereotype is true, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑) is where you can escape the crowds and adore Japanese and Western-style beautiful gardens. Although it is one of
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: An Oasis of Peace and Quiet Read More »